Homeowner will continue deck repair proposal; commission urges smaller footprint or relocation

Homeowner Scott Selenow told the Conservation Commission on April 23 he had scaled back a proposed lakefront deck expansion and returned with a revised plan after earlier guidance. The commission heard that the earlier proposal would have added roughly 365 square feet; the revised design reduces potential new coverage to about 216 square feet while keeping existing footings on helical piles and removing current wooden posts by hand.

Commissioners expressed concern about sunlight reaching shoreline soils and encouraged options that would avoid increasing shading: they suggested relocating the deck into shaded areas, redesigning its shape while keeping the same total square footage, or, if the applicant seeks additional square footage, filing a Notice of Intent. Commissioner Keevin Geller said he did not see a hardship supporting an increase in size; Commissioner Susan Drisko proposed moving the deck location and discussing alternatives to preserve the sandy area for Selenow’s children. Selenow said he will install a silt sock as part of erosion controls regardless of final scope. The hearing was continued to May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the applicant’s request.